Gaming device providing an animated message during game play

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a gaming device displaying an animated message adjacent to a game functional element such as a set of reels, set of cards, or a keno board. The game functional element can be shown, preferably, on a video monitor screen. In one embodiment, a game title is displayed above the game functional element. Once the game functional element is put into play, an animated message appears to cover the game title. The animated message appears to enter the screen from behind the game functional element. Once the game functional element is no longer in play, the animated message appears to leave the screen by descending behind the game functional element.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pending patent applications: “GAMING DEVICE WITH TRAVELING REEL SYMBOLS,” Ser. No. 09/606,928, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-007; “GAMING DEVICE WITH MULTI-PURPOSE REELS,” Ser. No. 09/606,733, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-017; “GAMING DEVICE WITH MOVING SCREEN SIMULATION,” Ser. No. 09/625,884, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-021; “GAMING DEVICE WITH SIGNIFIED REEL SYMBOLS,” Ser. No. 09/605,344, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-026; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING COMPETITION BONUS SCHEME,” Ser. No. 09/628,144, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-028; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING TOUCH ACTIVATED ALTERNATING OR CHANGING SYMBOL,” Ser. No. 09/602,331, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-029; “GAMING DEVICE PROVIDING TOUCH ACTIVATED SYMBOL INFORMATION,” Ser. No. 09/680,349, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-030; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A REPLICATING DISPLAY THAT PROVIDES WINNING PAYLINE INFORMATION,” Ser. No. 09/629,606, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-032; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A MULTIPLE SCREEN BONUS ROUND,” Ser. No. 09/629,235, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-086; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A CHANGEABLE OBJECT,” Ser. No. 09/680,111, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-137; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE AUDIO, VIDEO OR AUDIO-VIDEO EXHIBITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH RELATED SYMBOLS,” Ser. No. 09/689,529, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-138; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING INTERACTING SYMBOLS,” Ser. No. 09/686,308, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-144; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING CHANGED OR GENERATED PLAYER STIMULI,” Ser. No. 09/686,244, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-145; “GAMING DEVICE WITH TRAVELING REEL SYMBOLS,” Ser. No. 09/689,197, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-153; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A SYMBOL COVERING FEATURE,” Ser. No. 09/684,275, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-154; and “GAMING DEVICE HAVING INTERACTIVE MESSAGE,” Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-859.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming device having an animated message displayed adjacent to a functional game element while the functional game element is in play.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Gaming device manufacturers have long provided gaming machines having a plurality of rules involving game play and bonus play. Prior to video screens or monitors, gaming machines displayed such rules on the cabinet of the gaming device, generally concentrated around the perimeter of the reels.

[0005] To increase player enjoyment and excitement, and to increase the popularity of the gaming machines, gaming device manufacturers constantly strive to provide players with new types of gaming machines that not only attract the player and keep the player entertained, but inform the player of the opportunities available during game play. Accordingly, gaming device manufacturers have designed gaming devices having game rules and game notifications within the display area of the device such as using a video monitor or touch screen. For example, in a game utilizing a video display, the gaming device may notify the user, through a graphical image, of an award received, initiation of bonus play, or other possible winning combinations. The graphical image may be a static display, an alternating display or a flashing display which appears before or after the functional game element, such as a set of reels or set of cards, is put into play.

[0006] However, there are a number of issues with displaying such images on a display for a gaming device. A display device may already contain various items, such as, for example, game functional elements and background designs. In a crowded display such as this, positioning the graphical image can be difficult. Another disadvantage of using such graphical images is that the messages provided to a user may be limited in entertainment value to a user due to the aesthetic limitations of such graphical images. Gaming devices in which static graphical images flash or alternate have not adequately addressed these limitations.

[0007] Additionally, players want to be apprised of winning combinations as well as different rules and opportunities of the game during game play. It is in the best interests of gaming device manufacturers to provide this information to the player in order to increase player involvement and enjoyment and thus provide a better overall gaming experience. It is, therefore, desirable for gaming device manufacturers to provide gaming information to users specifically during game play in a manner in which a maximum amount of information may be displayed without detracting from game play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for displaying an animated message on a gaming device having a video monitor or display. More specifically, the present invention provides the animated message during play of a game.

[0009] In one embodiment, the animated message is displayed adjacent to and preferably above or below a functional game element such as virtual reels. The message may be game related information, an advertisement or other information such as event information. The message appears from behind the functional game element when the functional game element is in play, and the message disappears behind the functional game element while the functional game element is in play, or as the game ends. In an alternative embodiment, the message is displayed on the functional game element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the gaming device has a display device, which is preferably a video monitor, touch screen or the like. The display device displays a functional game element, which in one embodiment is a set of reels, such as three to five reels. A player makes a wager and uses a control feature of the gaming device to cause the reels to spin. The virtual reels begin to spin and an animated message appears to rise or move from behind the spinning reels to above or adjacent to the spinning reels on the display device. The animated message may be game information, such as, a notification of winning combinations or a combination needed to initiate a bonus game. In one embodiment, the animated message covers the game title above the spinning reels. As the reels stop spinning, the animated message appears to descend or move from the position above or adjacent to the reels to behind the reels.

[0011] The animated message may be provided by program code or data within a controller. The program code or data can be any type known to those skilled in the art. It should be appreciated that the animated message may be present in a primary game as well as a bonus game.

[0012] In alternative embodiments, the animated message could appear below, to the left or right of the functional game element, or on the functional game element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the animated message contains a secondary message in graphic image form, video form, or other non-static or static type of display.

[0014] It is appreciated that the animated message may also appear in other games such as video poker, video blackjack, video keno, etc.

[0015] It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a gaming device having an animated message displayed while a functional game element is in play.

[0016] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps, and processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device structure of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the gaming device structure of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the computer system of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a display device displaying a set of reels prior to the reels being spun.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the display device while the reels are spinning.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the display device immediately before the reels finish spinning.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a display device displaying a set of cards.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the display device of FIG. 6 in which an animated message appears within the display device.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the display device of FIG. 6 in which the animated message is fully displayed within the display device.

[0026]FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a display device displaying a set of reels prior to the reels being spun.

[0027]FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the display device of FIG. 9 in which an animated message appears on the reels while the reels are spinning.

[0028]FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the display device of FIG. 9 in which the animated message is fully displayed on the reels.

[0029]FIG. 12 is a front plan view of a display device in which a secondary message appears within an animated message.

[0030]FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the display device of FIG. 11 in which the secondary message is fully displayed within the animated message.

[0031]FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a display device displaying a secondary message while a set of reels are spinning.

[0032]FIG. 15 is a front plan view of the display device of FIG. 14 in which the secondary message is fully displayed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Gaming Device and Electronics

[0033] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 a and gaming device 10 b illustrate two possible cabinet styles and display arrangements and are collectively referred to herein as gaming device 10. The present invention may for instance be included in a slot machine having the controls, displays and features of a conventional slot machine, wherein the player operates the gaming device while standing or sitting. Gaming device 10 also includes being a pub-style or table-top game (not shown), which a player operates while sitting.

[0034] The gaming device 10 may also embody any bonus triggering events, bonus games as well as any progressive game coordinating with the base game. The symbols and indicia used for any of the base, bonus and progressive games include video symbols and indicia.

[0035] In a stand alone or a bonus embodiment, the gaming device 10 includes monetary input devices. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a coin slot 12 for coins or tokens and/or a payment acceptor 14 for cash money. The payment acceptor 14 also includes other devices for accepting payment, such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or smart cards, tickets, notes, etc. When a player inserts money in gaming device 10, a number of credits corresponding to the amount deposited is shown in a credit display 16. After depositing the appropriate amount of money, a player can begin the game by pulling arm 18 or pushing play button 20. Play button 20 can be any play activator used by the player which starts any game or sequence of events in the gaming device.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 also includes a bet display 22 and a bet one button 24. The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button 24. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button 24. When the player pushes the bet one button 24, the number of credits shown in the credit display 16 decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display 22 increases by one. At any time during the game, a player may “cash out” by pushing a cash out button 26 to receive coins or tokens in the coin payout tray 28 or other forms of payment, such as an amount printed on a ticket or credited to a credit cards, debit cards or smart cards. Well known ticket printing and card reading machines (not illustrated) are commercially available.

[0037] Gaming device 10 also includes one or more display devices. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 30. The present invention, shown in FIG. 1B, includes a central display device 30 as well as an upper display device 32. The display device displays any visual representation or exhibition, including but not limited to movement of physical objects such as mechanical reels and wheels, dynamic lighting and video images. The display device includes any viewing surface such as glass, a video monitor or screen, a liquid crystal display or any other static or dynamic display mechanism.

[0038] In one embodiment, the slot machine base game of gaming device 10 displays a plurality of reels 34 such as three to five reels 34 in video form on one or more of the display devices adapted to provide the animated message of the present invention as discussed below. Each reel 34 displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device 10. Each base game in the slot machine embodiment of the gaming device 10 includes speakers 36 for making sounds or playing music.

[0039] The slot machine base game of gaming device 10 in FIG. 1B also displays a plurality of reels 34. Preferably, three to five reels 34 are present in video form on one or more of the display devices. Similar to the embodiment in FIG. 1A, the present invention may have reels 34 displaying a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images. However, the base game of the present invention provides an area 35 above the reels 34 and within the central display device 30. The area can be used for the display of gaming information.

[0040] Likewise, in FIG. 1B, the gaming device 10 can provide a display device 32 having reels in a manner similar to those located within the central display device 30. In addition, an area 33 can be provided to display gaming information.

[0041] The display devices 30 and 32 are also capable of displaying video poker, video blackjack and video keno in primary or bonus games. In these embodiments, the areas 33 or 35 are still provided above the cards or other game functional elements.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, a general electronic configuration of the gaming device 10 for the stand alone and bonus embodiments described above preferably includes: a processor 38; a memory device 40 for storing program code or other data; a central display device 30; an upper display device 32; a sound card 42; a plurality of speakers 36; and one or more input devices 44. The processor 38 is preferably a microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform which is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards. The memory device 40 can include random access memory (RAM) 46 for storing event data or other data generated or used during a particular game such as, for example, animation data or the like. The memory device 40 can also include read only memory (ROM) 48 for storing program code which controls the gaming device 10 so that it plays a particular game in accordance with applicable game rules and pay tables.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the player preferably uses the input devices 44 to input signals into gaming device 10. In the slot machine base game, the input devices 44 include the pull arm 18, play button 20, the bet one button 24 and the cash out button 26. A touch screen 50 and touch screen controller 52 are connected to a video controller 54 and processor 38. The terms “computer” or the “controller” are used herein to refer collectively to the processor 38, the memory device 40, the sound card 42, the touch screen controller and the video controller 54.

[0044] In certain instances, it is preferable to use a touch screen 50 and an associated touch screen controller 52 instead of a conventional video monitor display device. A player can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device 10 by touching touch screen 50 at the appropriate places. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the processor 38 connects to the coin slot 12 or payment acceptor 14, whereby the processor 38 requires a player to deposit a certain amount of money in to start the game.

[0045] It should be appreciated that although a processor 38 and memory device 40 are preferable implementations of the present invention, the present invention can also be implemented using one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's) or other hard-wired devices, or using mechanical devices (collectively referred to herein as a “processor”). Furthermore, although the processor 38 and memory device 40 preferably reside on each gaming device 10 unit, it is possible to provide some or all of their functions at a central location such as a network server for communication to a playing station such as over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like.

[0046] With reference to the slot machine base game of FIGS. 1A and 1B, to operate the gaming the device 10, the player inserts the appropriate amount of money or tokens at coin slot 12 or bill acceptor 14 and then pulls the arm 18 or pushes the play button 20. The reels 34 will then begin to spin. Eventually, the reels 34 will come to a stop. As long as the player has credits remaining, the player can spin the reels 34 again. Depending upon where the reels 34 stop, the player may or may not win additional credits.

[0047] In addition to winning base game credits, the gaming device 10, including any of the base games disclosed above, also may include bonus games that give players the opportunity to win credits. Bonus games include a program that automatically begins when the player achieves a qualifying condition in the base game. The gaming device 10 preferably employs a video-based central display device 30 or 32 for the bonus round.

[0048] The qualifying condition may include a particular symbol or symbol combination generated on a display device. For example, as illustrated in the five reel slot game shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the qualifying condition includes the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels 34 along a payline 56. It should be appreciated that the present invention includes one or more paylines, such as payline 56, wherein the paylines can be horizontal, diagonal or any combination thereof.

The Animated Message

[0049]FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a display 300 in one embodiment of the present invention. The display device displays five reels 302. An area 304 within the display and above the reels includes, for example, the game title “CHERRY SLOT GAME”. The area 304 can display other static or graphical images. A player makes a wager and uses one of the control features of the gaming device to spin the reels. After the reels 302 begin spinning, an animated message 306 begins to appear in the area 304 adjacent to the spinning reels, covering at least a portion of the game title as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0050] Preferably, the animated message 306 completely covers the game title or graphical image present before the reels started spinning, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As the reels stop spinning, the animated message descends behind the reels, illustrated again in FIG. 4. After the animated message leaves the display, the game title or other graphical image once again appears on display, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0051] The animated message may be provided by program code or data within the controller. Further, the program code or data can be any type known to those skilled in the art. Moreover, the controller can store a library of different animated messages. The messages can be displayed in a preselected order while the reels are spinning. Or, in an embodiment, the animated messages can be displayed in a random order. In yet another embodiment, the animated message displayed depends on a combination a player previously received or some other game event.

[0052] The animated message of the present invention may appear in the primary game or in a bonus game. In a primary game, the animated message may provide game messaging such as notification of awards already won. The animated message may also indicate other possible winning combinations. The animated message of the present invention may include any message desired by the implementor of the game such as an advertisement, award notification, bonus initiation information, general primary game information, and general bonus game information.

[0053] In a bonus game, the animated message may appear in a manner similar to that seen in the primary game whereby the animated message appears to cover the title that may be seen in an area of the bonus game screen. The animated display in the bonus game may also provide game messaging and advertisements, such as notification of an award received, notification of winning combinations, or general bonus game information.

[0054] In alternative embodiments, the animated message can appear below the reels or to a side of the reels. The animated message can appear to cover at least a portion of a graphical image displayed in the area the animated message occupies. After the reels stop spinning, or before they stop spinning, the animated message disappears behind the reels. In another embodiment, the animated message can cover a portion of the reels when it appears on the display device.

[0055] In one embodiment, the animated message is displayed in a video poker game. For example, a display device displays a set of cards 70 a through 70 e in FIG. 6. The display device includes an area 304 which displays a static or graphic image 308. In one example, the image is a game title.

[0056] A player makes a wager and uses one of the control features of the gaming device to receive a set of cards. The cards are dealt by the processor. During the time in which a player chooses which cards will be held and which cards will be discarded, an animated message 310 appears in the area 304. The animated message appears to cover a portion of the image 308, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Preferably, the animated message covers the entire image, as shown in FIG. 8. Although not shown, the animated image can come from behind the cards.

[0057] After the processor replaces the discarded cards, the animated message begins to leave the area 304 and disappear behind the cards.

[0058] In alternative embodiments, the animated message appears below or to the side of the cards.

[0059] In one embodiment, the animated message appears on the game functional element. For example, the display device displays a set of reels as illustrated in FIG. 9. A player makes a wager and uses a control feature to spin the reels. While the reels are spinning, an animated message appears on the reels, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. When the reels stop spinning, the animated message is removed from the display device in a reverse manner. In an alternative embodiment, the animated message fades into view on the reels while the reels are spinning and fades out of view when the reels stop spinning.

[0060] In one embodiment, the animated message includes a secondary message 322. The secondary message may also be any message such as an advertisement, award notification, bonus initiation information, general primary game information and general bonus game information. The message provided by the secondary message may be used in conjunction with the animated message and may be displayed before, during or after the animated message is displayed. In an alternative embodiment, the content of the secondary message is independent of the animated message.

[0061] The message may be in the form of a graphical image. In one embodiment, the message is in the form of a video image or video which maybe located within a section of the animated message. An audio message may also be provided with the video message. The video message may be in the form of a motion picture or other suitable video. In one embodiment, the video message provides additional game play information to the player. Alternatively, the video message may be provided to entertain the player during reel spin or other game play.

[0062] In one embodiment, the secondary message 322 is displayed within a display device during the spinning of a set of reels 302. The secondary message appears to move into view over an animated message 306 from above the animated message, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. The secondary message then moves out of the view when the reels stop spinning. In an alternative embodiment, the secondary message 322 fades into view while the reels 302 are spinning, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. The secondary message is imposed on an animated message 306. The secondary message then fades out of view when the reels stop spinning.

[0063] While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims and that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims. 

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:
 1. A gaming device comprising: a processor; a display device; at least one animated message; and a functional game element displayed by the display device, wherein said processor causes said animated message to appear within the display device adjacent to the functional game element while the functional game element is in play.
 2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the animated message is selected from the group consisting of: an advertisement, primary game information; bonus game information; and an entertaining message.
 3. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein a graphical image is displayed adjacent to the functional game element prior to the functional game element being put into play.
 4. The gaming device of claim 3, wherein the animated message appears to at least partially cover said graphical image.
 5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the functional game element is a plurality of reels.
 6. The gaming device of claim 5, wherein the animated message appears above the reels, below the reels, or on a side of the reels.
 7. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the animated message appears to come from behind the functional game element.
 8. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the animated message appears to disappear behind the functional game element as the game ends.
 9. The gaming device of claim 1, which includes a plurality of animated messages, one of said plurality of animated messages being randomly selected by the processor and displayed on the display device when the functional game element is put into play.
 10. The gaming device of claim 1, which includes a plurality of animated messages, said plurality of messages having a predetermined display order.
 11. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the animated message displayed on the display device is determined by a game event prior to actuation of the functional game element.
 12. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the animated message covers at least a portion of the functional game element.
 13. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the functional game element is a set of cards.
 14. The gaming device of claim 13, wherein the animated message appears above, below or to the side of the cards.
 15. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the functional game element is a keno board.
 16. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the animated message appears above, below or to the side of the keno board.
 17. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the animated message includes a secondary message.
 18. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the secondary message is a video.
 19. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the secondary message is an animated message.
 20. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the secondary message appears to fade in or out from the animated message.
 21. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the secondary message appears before, during or after the animated message appears.
 22. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the animated message includes a video.
 23. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein the video provides additional game play information for a player.
 24. The gaming device of claim 23, wherein the video provides entertainment for a player.
 25. A gaming device comprising: a display device; and a processor adapted to communicate with said display device, said processor and said display device adapted to: (a) display a functional game element on said display device; (b) actuate said functional game element; (c) transfer at least one set of data from said controller to said display device, wherein said set of data includes animated messaging data; and (d) display said set of data on the display device adjacent to the functional game element while the functional game element is actuated.
 26. The gaming device of claim 25, wherein said processor and said display are further adapted to provide a graphical image adjacent to the functional game element.
 27. The gaming device of claim 26, wherein said processor and said display are further adapted to cover a portion of the graphical image with the set of animated messaging data.
 28. The gaming device of claim 25, wherein said processor and said display device are further adapted to appear to withdraw the set of animated messaging data behind the functional game element.
 29. The gaming device of claim 25, wherein the animated messaging data is selected from the group consisting of an advertisement, primary game information and bonus game information.
 30. The gaming device of claim 25, wherein said processor and said display device are further adapted to display a secondary message within the displayed set of animated messaging data.
 31. A gaming device comprising a processor; a display device; at least one video message; and a functional game element displayed by the display device, wherein said processor is adapted to cause said video message to appear within the display device adjacent to the functional game element while the functional game element is in play. 